BY SIFISO NHLABATSI
LOBAMBA – Senator Prince Qethuka Sgombeni has expressed strong disapproval of men performing kutsamba, arguing that the practice undermines traditional gender roles and reflects a growing erosion of Eswatini’s cultural values.
Sgombeni, a staunch traditionalist, raised the concern while contributing to the debate on the Ministry of Education and Training’s First Quarter Performance Report in the Senate.
He called for greater cultural education in schools, saying young Emaswati needed to understand not only traditional attire but also the songs, dances and circumstances associated with different forms of imvunulo (traditional regalia).
He particularly took issue with what he described as the increasing sight of men joining women in kutsamba, a dance traditionally associated mainly with married women belonging to Lutsango.
Sgombeni questioned why men who participate in such performances did not instead perform dances traditionally associated with men.
“Kutawutsiwa siyini kani simahhuduvane noma singemaSwati,” he said, questioning what people would say about Emaswati if men continued adopting roles traditionally reserved for women.
The senator said the trend was particularly worrying because it was spreading to children.
“Sokhandza umfana sowenta kutsamba nebafati, akusasiso siswati sitawuhlekwa live,” he said, arguing that if boys continued performing kutsamba alongside women, the country risked losing aspects of its cultural identity and being ridiculed.
Lutsango refers to groups of older or married women and has traditionally played an important role in preserving cultural practices.
Sgombeni said he had also witnessed older men performing kutsamba alongside Lutsango during traditional events, which he said was unacceptable.
He further criticised the mixing of men and women during Ingadla performances, arguing that cultural dances had traditionally been distinguished according to their performers and purpose.
The senator also raised concern about the improper use of traditional regalia in schools, particularly during cultural performances such as Umtsimba. He said learners were sometimes seen wearing attire such as sigeja without understanding its cultural significance.
Sgombeni stressed that he was not opposed to teaching culture, but insisted that such education must include an understanding of the meaning, appropriate use and songs associated with traditional attire.
He urged the Ministry of Education and Training to strengthen cultural education so that younger generations understood and respected the distinctions embedded in Eswatini’s traditional practices.
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